Sourdough Cheese Crackers

A crisp, tangy snack that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, these Sourdough Cheese Crackers are perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or grazing boards. They come together with pantry staples, bake thin and crunchy, and keep well for a week. For a brunch pairing, try them with my air fryer egg and cheese toast for an easy spread.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Cheese Crackers

• Bright, tangy flavor from sourdough and sharp cheddar.
• Quick dough — minimal hands-on time and no complicated shaping.
• Great for meal prep and lunchboxes; stores well.
• Family-friendly snack that kids and adults both enjoy.
• Crisp texture perfect for dips, cheese boards, or solo munching.

Ingredients Needed

Base

• 230 grams (1 cup) sourdough starter, active or discard, stirred down
• 120 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour

Cheese & Fat

• 226 grams (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) melted butter or olive oil

Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Topping (optional)

• 1 teaspoon flaky salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, shredded cheddar, melted butter or oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a work surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and cohesive.
4. Divide dough into two equal portions. Wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if desired, or allow to ferment at room temperature for up to 8 hours if using active starter.
5. Place one portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to 1/16-inch thickness. Remove the top parchment layer and cut into small squares using a pizza cutter.
6. Dock each cracker with a fork or toothpick to prevent puffing, and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired.
7. Bake for 30–40 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until crackers are golden and crisp around the edges.
8. Cool completely on the baking sheet to allow crackers to fully crisp before storing.

Serving Suggestions Sourdough Cheese Crackers

• Serve with a selection of olives, pickles, and sliced salami for a simple charcuterie plate.
• Top with a smear of honey and a sliver of prosciutto for sweet-savory bites.
• Pair with creamy soups or stews instead of bread for extra crunch.
• Build a breakfast tray by adding soft butter and small pastries like cheese croissants.
• Offer alongside dips like spinach-artichoke or smoked trout spread.

Tips for Success Sourdough Cheese Crackers

• Roll very thin (1/16 inch) for a crisp, cracker-like texture.
• If your dough feels sticky, chill it 10–20 minutes to make rolling easier.
• Rotate baking sheets halfway to ensure even browning.
• Cool fully on the sheet; crackers continue to crisp as they cool.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Spicy cheddar: add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and extra cayenne for heat.
• Herb & garlic: mix in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) and omit paprika.
• Dairy-free: use a sharp dairy-free shredded cheese and extra salt to boost flavor.

Sourdough Cheese Crackers

A crisp, tangy snack that's perfect for any occasion, these Sourdough Cheese Crackers are easy to make at home and pair well with a variety of dips and toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 crackers

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Base

• 230 grams sourdough starter, active or discard, stirred down Use active starter for best flavor.
• 120 grams all-purpose flour

Cheese & Fat

• 226 grams sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded For best flavor, use fresh shredded cheese.
• 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil Either fat works well.

Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.

Topping (optional)

• 1 teaspoon flaky salt Sprinkle on top before baking.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, shredded cheddar, melted butter or oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a work surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and cohesive.
• Divide dough into two equal portions. Wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if desired, or allow to ferment at room temperature for up to 8 hours if using active starter.

Baking

• Place one portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to 1/16-inch thickness.
• Remove the top parchment layer and cut into small squares using a pizza cutter.
• Dock each cracker with a fork or toothpick to prevent puffing, and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until crackers are golden and crisp around the edges.
• Cool completely on the baking sheet to allow crackers to fully crisp before storing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To serve, try with olives, pickles, salami, or dips such as spinach-artichoke.

Keyword Cheese Crackers, Easy Recipes, Homemade Crackers, Snack Recipes, Sourdough Crackers